For the Consumer

As well as its needed effects, tazarotene topical may cause unwanted side effects that require medical attention.

If any of the following side effects occur while taking tazarotene topical, check with your doctor immediately:

More common

Burning or stinging of the skin (severe)

changes in color of the treated skin

deep grooves or lines in the skin

dryness, itching, peeling, or redness of the skin (severe)

pain or swelling of the treated skin

skin rash (in patients with psoriasis only)

Some tazarotene topical side effects may not need any medical attention. As your body gets used to the medicine these side effects may disappear. Your health care professional may be able to help you prevent or reduce these side effects, but do check with them if any of the following side effects continue, or if you are concerned about them:

Local

Local side effects associated with tazarotene topical foam have included application site irritation (14%), application site dryness (7%), application site erythema (6%), application site exfoliation (6%), application site pain (1%), application site photosensitivity (including sunburn; 1%), application site pruritus (1%), application site dermatitis (1%), and application site reactions (including discoloration, discomfort, edema, rash, and swelling; less than 1%). Localized edema has been reported with tazarotene topical gel in 1% to 10% of acne patients.[Ref]

Metabolic

Metabolic side effects associated with Tazorac(R) topical cream have included hypertriglyceridemia (greater than 1% to less than 10%).[Ref]

Other

Other side effects associated with Tazorac(R) topical cream have included peripheral edema (greater than 1% to less than 10%).[Ref]

Ocular

Ocular side effects associated with Avage(R) topical cream have included edema, irritation, and inflammation directly related to the eye or eyelid.

Professional resources

Related treatment guides

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